Expedition cruises

Earn your travel stripes and tick off the Drake Passage, Cape Horn and Antarctica in one sailing. Leaving Puerto Williams, you’ll spend your first two days at sea, crossing the (in)famous Drake Passage. Your first sight of the seventh continent will be Antarctica Sound, before you arrive in Antarctica on Day 5. Spend three days discovering the wildlife, seascapes and whitewashed landscape that make this destination so covetable.

With featured guest Rupert McCall, internationally renowned Australian poet.

On this cruise, PONANT invites you to discover New Zealand, a unique destination with a multitude of natural treasures. Set sail aboard Le Soléal for a 12-day cruise from Auckland to Dunedin. Surrounded by the blue waters of the Pacific, the twin islands of New Zealand are the promise of an incredible mosaic of contrasting panoramas.

You will first explore the many treasures of Rotorua from Tauranga: volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, rivers and gorges, and lakes that range in colour from deep blue to orange tinged.

Following the warm and translucent waters of the South Pacific Ocean, Le Soléal will sail towards Gisborne. The first city on Earth to see the sun rise each day, it is distinguished by its enchanting environment of sandy strips and subtropical forest. Here you will learn about Māori culture and local history and will be invited to taste some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its chardonnay.

After calling at Napier, a charming city with Art Deco influences, you will sail to the Marlborough Sounds, a veritable maze of hilly islands and drowned river valleys. Marlborough is also a renowned wine region of striking beauty.

Then the Banks Peninsula will reveal wonderful landscapes of lush hills and rugged coasts during your calls in the bays of Akaroa, an ancient, flooded volcano crater. There you will experience a unique mix of Māori, French and European cultural heritage.

Your ship will first chart a course south-west of the South Island to discover the magnificent Fiordland National Park, which is an integral part of the Te Wahipounamu, a UNESCO World Heritage area. Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound and Milford Sound: you will discover these fjords shaped by successive glaciations, bordered by majestic cliffs.

You will finally discover Dunedin, your port of disembarkation.

How far off the beaten path would you like to go? Dive into the fascinating history of Saint-Pierre and discover the tropical coral, fish and sea turtles in the turquoise waters off tiny Canouan. Explore not only the beaches, gardens and rainforests of Grenada’s main island but also the vibrant French and Creole culture of Les Anses d’Arlet. 

Mountains, volcanoes and subtropical forests, green hills where the famous New Zealand sheep graze peacefully, cities full of authentic charm, from the South Island to the North Island, explore New Zealand on an 10-day cruise. Aboard Le Jacques Cartier, uncover the captivating mysteries of this island country through unforgettable experiences.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. On this itinerary, take a whale watching cruise in the Banks Peninsula from Akaroa; from Napier, dive into the traditions of the Maori during an unforgettable activity; or, from Tauranga, explore the extraordinary site of Rotorua, home to volcanic and geothermal attractions. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Your cruise aboard Le Jacques Cartier will begin in Auckland. This New Zealand city bordered by two seas will surprise you with its modernity and its cosmopolitan atmosphere.

On Waiheke Island, opposite Auckland, you will be enchanted not only by the authentic villages nestled at the heart of vineyards but also by the attractive coastline that forms heavenly beaches.

Soon, Tauranga will welcome you and open the doors to the many treasures of Rotorua: volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, rivers and gorges, and lakes ranging in colour from deep blue to bright orange.

Following the warm and translucent waters of the South Pacific Ocean, Le Jacques Cartier will sail towards Gisborne. The first city on Earth to see the sun rise each day, it is distinguished by its enchanting environment of sandy strips and subtropical forest. Here you will learn about Māori culture and local history and will be invited to taste some of the products of this rich farming region, renowned in particular for its chardonnay.

On the east coast of North Island, Napier unfolds before you, revealing its treasures in a unique architectural style where the sleek lines of Art Deco buildings mingle with traditional Māori patterns.

Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is the next stop on your journey. You will have the opportunity to learn more about the Māori people during a visit to the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Next, during an unforgettable sailing experience you will explore the Malborough Sounds, an extensive network of submerged valleys creating a maze of hilly islands and peninsulas.

After a stop in Picton, it is now time to sail to Akaroa. In this bay formed by an old, flooded volcano crater, the unique mix of the Māori, French and European cultures offers a different experience.

Your journey ends in Lyttleton, once the departure point of the British expeditions to the South Pole.

Dense, rainforest clad hillsides, sparkling white beaches and shimmering blue seas provide a treat for the senses on this magical voyage. Far, far away from everyday life, drift into a post-Christmas world of tropical relaxation in the myriad of islands; St. Barts, St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Lucia to name just a few. Forget about life back home as you gaze into the blindingly turquoise waters, stroll beautiful beaches and simply let it all go, Caribbean style.

With featured guests Mike Louagie and Ian Dawson, Photo Ambassadors.

Le Commandant Charcot, a technological wonder capable of sailing in the most extreme environments, is opening up new horizons in unrivalled comfort and invites you to explore the Saint Lawrence. This river is not accessible to traditional ships in winter, so this exclusive and all-new PONANT journey lifts the veil on unique great open spaces, where the waters, once turbulent, freeze into ice, and where the forests are dressed in an immaculate white coat.

You will sail among different states and forms of ice and will be able to admire the evolution of this spectacular natural scenery from the reassuring cocoon of Le Commandant Charcot. Aboard the ship or on shore, you will seize the opportunities to explore these places where nature and the local communities reign supreme. Set off to discover this enchanting environment, featuring boreal forests of snow-covered conifers, immaculate valleys and drifting ice floe, thanks to winter activities such as polar hiking, snowshoeing or skiing. You may be lucky enough to see typical animals like caribou and elk in their natural habitat.

In this region, where souls are filled with deep serenity, the colourful houses and fishing huts stand valiantly. Their sparkling facades, in bright and vibrant colours, defy the harshness of the winter landscape. Here, in one of the "few places where you can experience the cold with so much warmth" (Saguenay proverb), you will receive a hospitable welcome from Quebeckers and the Innu and Micmac peoples in unforgettable get-togethers.

A journey suspended in time, where lives blend with the natural elements and where the wild beauty of nature is revealed in its full splendour.

The itinerary is subject to modifications. On board, the sailing programme, outings and activities cannot be guaranteed and are subject to weather and ice conditions.